Never been to an anime convention before? Unsure of what you’ll need? Or are you a returning otaku and need a final check list before going out? We got you covered.

These are some suggestions to help make your convention experience much more enjoyable. If you have any tips of your own, feel free to suggest them.

• Bring soap, toothpaste/toothbrush, shampoo, deodorant, bodywash, etc.
  Personal hygiene is important! Nobody likes standing in line with someone who hasn’t looked after themselves. Shower daily and make sure you put on deodorant, otherwise the other attendees will avoid you.
• Carry snacks, protein bars and bottled water
  Attendees are famous for going whole weekends without food. Bring snacks to keep your energy up and water to keep hydrated. If you’re wearing a heavy costume, carry a bottle of water so you don’t pass out from dehydration — that will make for an unpleasant convention experience, both for yourself and your friends.
• Wear comfortable shoes and clothes
  Walking through artist’s alley or the dealers room in sandals isn’t a good idea once the end of the con rolls around. If your cosplay calls for foam sandals, bare feet, or tight boots/heels, bring an extra pair of shoes so that in the evening you can change into them without worrying about sore, red feet.
• Do I need a costume?
  Dressing up for a convention is not a requirement, so don’t worry about having to go out and buy a costume before hand. Cosplay adds extra colour to a convention, and it’s always nice to see everyone masquerade as their favourite character. Check out other people and ask around how they made their costume to get an idea first before starting yourself.
• Cash is king!
  If you expect to buy a lot of goodies, bring cash with you as some vendors and those in artist’s alley do not take debit or credit. However, do not carry too much on you or flaunt it around since it can be a safety issue. If you run out of cash but really want that figure or box set, ask the vendor to put it on hold while you find an ATM. Take note that most third party ATMs charge additional fees for using their machines, so try to locate one with your bank’s branding on it.
  Sunday is usually the best day to buy stuff since the prices are usually halved so that the vendors don’t have to take as much back with them. The downside to waiting is that usually most of the good or hard to find merchandise is already gone.
• Cameras, cards and batteries
  If you have a digital camera, bring spare batteries with you! Some cameras have a habit of eating through AAs like Vash consumes donuts. If your camera has a built in battery, charge it immediately when you return to your hotel room. Also, carry an extra memory card, just in case you fill up one. You don’t want your favourite costume to disappear into the crowd.
• Schedules, schedules, schedules!
  Usually when you visit registration to pick up your badge, you’ll be given a bag with a schedule, guide book and some other goodies. Also, most conventions post their schedules a few days in advance on their web site, so take advantage of this. Print out the advance schedule and highlight the events you want to attend, this way you can plan ahead.
• Pre-register to save time
  Registering in advance is always a good idea, since you can save on full weekend or single day badges. Also, this prevents you waiting in line at the convention which is a great time saver. If you don’t have a credit card or access to a PayPal account, try asking a friend or family member to help you sign up (remember to pay them back!). Some conventions also mail out badges as a way to speed things up — try to select this option (if it’s available!) instead of standing in line to pick up. You’re all set for the weekend!
• Communication is important
  Most conventions have attendance numbers in the thousands, and being in a hotel or convention centre over the weekend, things can get pretty crowded. Keep a cellphone with you, but have it set to vibrate as you may not be able to hear it in busy hallways or rooms. Set up an arrangement with your friends to meet you at a specific place with a visible landmark (like the front desk/reception area of the hotel, or at the fountain by the entrance) in case you get lost, or you want to meet up together for an event later.
• Cell phones
  While carrying a cell phone is a good thing (see above), it can also be annoying. Set the volume to vibrate or turn off the phone while in panels, auditions or events because you will be singled out by convention staff. You will be asked to turn off your phone or leave if things become disruptive.
• Cosplay Maintenance!
  If you’re cosplaying, bring a sewing kit, spare fabric, and if needed a glue gun. This will save on headaches, especially when a seam splits, helmet gets crushed in a crowded elevator or another bulky costume has a run in with yours. Remember to unplug that glue gun after using it!
• Identification
  Always keep your badge with you at all times while on convention grounds. Staff check for them upon entry into the dealers room, some panels, and other events. Also, bring along photo identification, (driver’s license, state/provincial identification card, passport) should you want to wander into any of the adult/late night panels — these are also required when picking up your badge before jumping into the fun. High school or workplace identification badges won’t be accepted.
• Know your area
  Get to know the area around the convention so you can find food, banks, pharmacies, and hotels. This way you won’t to have to spend much money in the hotel for food, as well as finding spare sewing kits or glue if you need to repair your costume. You may also decide to explore the city or town you’re visiting as a bonus.

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